Media Release

Northparkes celebrates 1000 hours of volunteering in 2016

CMOC-Northparkes Mines (Northparkes) designed its Volunteer Leave Program in 2013 with the principle that the best contribution to the community could be made by its people. Now in its fourth year, the Program is stronger than ever – Northparkes has recently reached 1000 hours of volunteering for 2016.

Northparkes Manager People, Safety and Environment Angus Wyllie said “Northparkes employees have taken ownership of the program; it’s great to see people proactively organising their own volunteer projects and giving back to the community in which they live and work.”

Recently, groups from Northparkes gave their time to prepare the Parkes and Forbes showgrounds ahead of the annual agricultural shows.

At Forbes, 17 employees assisted with tasks such as cleaning, putting out bins, spreading hay and setting up gazebos.

Donna Shaw, who coordinated the Parkes showground clean-up, said “There are a lot of not-for- profit organisations that need help, whether it be to bake a cake, clean out drains, sweep pavilions or build pathways. It makes me feel proud to know I have helped out in some way.”

In September, a group of 18 Northparkes employees and six of their family members volunteered at Trundle Bush Tucker day. Coordinator Cathy O’Grady said “I especially like volunteering at Trundle Bush Tucker Day as this is the community that I grew up in; I feel I am giving back to this wonderful little town.”

Recently, a small group of Northparkes volunteers helped with sandbagging ahead of the Forbes floods. Northparkes also intends to provide a group of volunteers to assist with the clean-up.

Mr Wyllie said “Through the skills our workforce brings to the Central West, we can provide assistance to businesses and organisations they may not otherwise have access to. We look forward to the Volunteer Leave Program continuing to grow in years to come.”

For more information about the Program or to request volunteer support, visit the Northparkes website or Facebook page, or call 6861 3621.